Lawmaker who fought mask rules says she can’t get to Alaska capital

An Alaska lawmaker who is banned from flying on the state’s leading airline for refusing to wear a mask was excused from attending floor votes for the rest of the year after telling legislative leaders she has no way to fly to and from the state capital.

State Sen. Lora Reinbold, a Republican representing an Anchorage suburb, said this week that Alaska Airlines offered the only flights between her district and Juneau from now through the end of the year. The airline banned her indefinitely in the spring after she clashed with staffers over the airline mask mandate issued by federal transportation officials.

Delta Air Lines is the only other commercial carrier that flies between the two cities, and its service stops Saturday.

“I asked to be excused because Delta last flight out is Sept 11,” Reinbold wrote in a Facebook post. “To be excused does NOT mean you will not be here, it means the legislative process cannot be inhibited if you are not there.”

Reinbold and Alaska senate leadership didn’t immediately respond to messages seeking comment Saturday.

The Transportation Security Administration requires all air travelers to wear face coverings on flights, during boarding and deplaning, and while in the airport. Alaska Airlines banned Reinbold from its flights on April 24, the company told The Washington Post on Saturday.

“Since then, a review did happen and the suspension was upheld,” the company said in an emailed statement.